The future of primary care services in Scotland to be reviewed

A review into the future of primary care in Scotland has been announced, with news of the review welcomed by Optometry Scotland.

The inquiry, which was launched last week (27 February) by MSPs on the Health and Sport Committee, calls on people to outline their hopes for the next generation of care.

The committee is seeking to gather views via a survey, which is open until 30 April.

A statement on the Scottish Parliament website explained that in recent years there has been increased pressure on primary care, driven by patients’ changing needs, technological advancements, as well as cost and staffing pressures.

“The committee is looking for views on issues such as the key challenges to accessing services, whether the current system is sustainable and what areas of service delivery should be prioritised,” the statement explained.

Optometrist and chair of Optometry Scotland, Samantha Watson said the organisation was “delighted” to hear the future of primary care services and their delivery would be reviewed.

“We’re particularly pleased to see opinions being sought on key areas such as whether people would consider seeking other healthcare professionals without going through a GP,” she said.

Ms Watson added: “We believe optometry provides crucial support to the Scottish Government’s preventative and waiting time initiative healthcare agendas through easy and rapid access to professionals. Our vision is to see a sector fully equipped and resourced to absorb the majority of eye care in Scotland into the community setting with the agility to respond to the future demands of Scotland.”